Safe Fiji? NISHANT SINGH LAUTOKA I NEARLY choked when the Police Commissioner confidently declared that Fiji is a “safe” place (FT 09/01). Safe from what exactly? Reality? Aggravated robberies, home invasions, open drug/alcohol abuse and homicides are now so common they barely raise an eyebrow. Yet we are informed that everything is under control. That is not reassurance. I believe it is either staggering ignorance or deliberate insult to a public living in fear. On the bright side, it is comforting to hear that the police are now considering talks with the military to tackle the ever-galloping meth crisis. Considering the RFMF’s impressive résumé of coups and political chaos, perhaps this is a rare chance to deploy their talents for something genuinely useful — saving lives instead of destabilising governments. That is of course if the Army is not too busy with the famous matanigasau process! The nation is watching.
Safe country RAJEND NAIDU MUMBAI FIJI remains safe (FT9/1). The police chief urges calm amid public concerns. There was a time when Fiji felt very safe. I believe that is no longer the case. I believe there is public anxiety over safety and a public perception that things are no longer as safe as it used to be. We must ask ourselves collectively as a small Pacific island nation with less than one million people how we have come to be in our current state. Pretending all is well is acting the ostrich given the ground realities in the country.
Civic pride RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU MINISTER for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa did not mince his words as he shared that civic pride must be restored if Fiji is to effectively address the growing problem of illegal dumping. But will it be easy? On Thursday, the workers of Nasinu Town Council (NTC) cleared rubbish lying along roadsides and by yesterday morning more white goods and rubbish were seen. This means within 24 hours, people left rubbish after it was cleared. Now, how do you teach these unpatriotic citizens the meaning of civic pride. Along Balgovind Rd in Nadawa, all rubbish was cleared and by yesterday morning I saw two garbage bags left on the spot. My heart sank because the efforts of the workers on NTC went unnoticed. Illegal dumping of rubbish has become a serious concern and daily challenge in most residential areas. I beg Hon. Nalumisa and his team to implement policies and measures to discourage people from disposing of waste illegally. We must act as a nation as restoring civic pride is critical to changing attitudes and behaviour towards waste disposal. On the other hand, how on earth would parents teach children the basic principles of proper waste disposal if they themselves litter.
Dream destination DONALD SINGH SUVA THEY say the USA is most people’s dream. What a dream! Pay up to $15k in bond, and your dream will come true. Some day, let’s say if America sticks with some of its absurd new policies and rules, America will be left with themselves only. The $100k levied on top foreign professionals vying for American jobs is another absurdity. America is acting like they have the best of everything within their own people. Indian brains have been making America look good for decades, especially in tech, aeronautical science, and medicine. Time will serve them a cruel reminder in some years. Military might ain’t everything.
T-junction light ARTI VERMA SIMLA, LAUTOKA IT has been noticed and the message may have been relayed to the concerned authorities about having a compulsory light at the busiest Naikabula junction in the 2km outskirt of Lautoka City towards Ba. I urge the authorities in charge, under who’s area this is covered by, to please take heed of this action in putting up a bright light on this junction to avoid any unforeseen circumstances relating to any hazardous issue in the future. There are big trucks and trailers exiting and entering the junction 24 hours and to keep out possible fatalities would be the last on anyone’s agenda if we are done with high visibility of this road use.
Power bill DINESH KUMAR BA WHILE the FCCC continues its nationwide consultations on the proposed EFL tariff increases, both domestic and business customers are united in rare harmony, firmly against the idea. Coincidentally, I stumbled upon a line in the Ginger Meggs cartoon in your Comic Corner (FT 08/01) that neatly summarises the entire saga. It read: “Money is power. Poverty is struggling to pay your power bill.” The cartoon has already done the analysis in a hilarious way!
Rust buckets SANYA CATHERINE GAIN LAMI SUVA Harbour and Lami Bay sadly are home to an ever-increasing dead weight of derelict vessels. These rust buckets pose a danger to other boats and serious threat to the wellbeing of our marine ecosystems’ life and marine environment. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji maintains vessel owners are responsible for salvage operations. However, MSAF must also accept responsibility for the part they play in this. Aside from conducting inspections to assess oil spills etc, do MSAF not have within their means enforcement of certain laws and or legal redress? Does MSAF have up to date documentation recording the number of rust buckets, how many times owners have been contacted, what has been agreed with the owners, number of inspections over a period of time, timelines of salvage plans, enforcement notices, fines etc? Does MSAF simply contact vessels owners, inspect the vessels once and leave it at that, job done? No responsibility taken to see the process through. Has MSAF ever successfully had one of these rust buckets removed/ salvaged? Or is it too much work to push for progress?
Losing the war WISE MUAVONO BALAWA, LAUTOKA THOUGH it’s a subjective viewpoint, I reckon a current or former military personnel will be the best choice to oversee the Fiji Police Force drug unit. Let’s admit it, the current setup is failing the war against drugs. Isa!
Medical trust AMINISITAI TORA NADERA, NASINU PAID $85 to a private doctor for getting a blocked ear fixed for a family member. Treated and cleaned the blocked ear very well and cured by this private doctor. Before that, I visited the government health centre four times only to be told to keep using ear drops. But no difference. What is happening to simple people like us in this country?
Cebo sandals DINESH KUMAR BA WHILE reading through your Friday edition (FT 09/01), I saw an advertisement for Cebo sandals on page 15. It took me back in time to my school days where only my richest friends could afford it. Others, myself included, walked barefoot or wore simple rubber shoes. Today, I can afford to buy Cebo sandals but those days of wearing sandals are long gone.
Wasting water MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF NATABUA, LAUTOKA IN the early days of the new year (including 2026), people are seen throwing water (actually wasting) at people and moving vehicles unnecessarily. And the rest of the year is dedicated to complaints of dry taps. Hard to comprehend!
Rubbish overload GRAHAME STAGEMAN LAMI WITH increasing concerns over household rubbish in residential streets, it appears nothing is working to improve matters. One of the first things that needs consideration is why are some councils unnecessarily undertaking three collections a week of general household waste in residential roads? If collections were reduced to a maximum of two a week it would serve two purposes. Firstly, it would force residents to improve their waste storage management within their own homes. Secondly, and far more importantly it would give the council greater time available between collections to get out there and penalise severely those that selfishly consider it acceptable that others must put up seeing their trash outside their house day after day.
Litterbugs BHAGWANJI BHINDI LAUCALA BEACH ESTATE, NASINU WE live in a world of litter, scattered far and wide On streets and shores where nature’s tears can’t hide If we don’t change our careless way Tomorrow’s Earth may fade to grey Litter is more dangerous when the mind is polluted When care turns to apathy and values are diluted Streets fill with neglect where conscience once stood Small careless choices harming all that is good A clean land begins with thoughts rightly rooted For a healed environment needs minds unpolluted Litterbugs wander with careless stride Dropping their waste by the road’s side Wrappers and bottles, tossed without care Turning green corners to sights of despair Respect our Earth, let responsibility grow For a cleaner tomorrow starts with what we throw Litter is not just rubbish at Lami dump, but what is inside us as society It’s careless thoughts we casually drop, excusing our indifference and anxiety Its habits ignored, values misplaced, and duties we quietly neglect A mirror of minds where conscience fades and respect is left unchecked At My Suva Fiji Park the seashore is littered with debris Once a place of beauty, now crying through the breeze The children of tomorrow deserve cleaner sands to roam A shoreline free of waste, a sea they can call home Families and friends gather to enjoy their time But they leave behind rubbish, a careless crime My heart bleeds to see rubbish strewn anywhere A careless act showing how little we care Future generations will pay the price For habits repeated, careless and unwise Let us change our ways, start today, not late And leave a clean world as our rightful legacy Let all Fijians pledge to keep our country clean Protect our land and oceans, lush and ever green From villages to cities, let our actions be seen No litter left behind, in places in between In unity we stand, with purpose strong and keen A cleaner, brighter Fiji for all who live and dream.
Endless charity, and begging JAN NISSAR SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA FIJI will receive another $12 million in aid from Japan to assist with the waste disposal problem in Fiji. The Japanese certainly know how to dispose of waste. I have seen it with my own eyes. This aid is in addition to hundreds of millions given by various countries and donors from around the world, especially Australia. Australia gives millions in direct budget support each year. If it was not for this support Fiji would have gone to the dogs by now. I just read that another $12.5 million is being given by Japan in heavy machinery to assist in road works. What the Fiji Government and the blessed people of Fiji do not realise is that all these countries and international organisations can provide endless support and charity, but unless Fijians learn to help themselves nothing will change. There is a perception amongst the members of government and Fijians that charity by other countries is an entitlement. I believe Fiji government ministers travel the world shamelessly asking for charity. When will it stop? What irks me is that the ministers and government leaders are so proud to receive this aid. They cannot help themselves and seem to fall over each other for a photo opportunity to publicise how good they have been at begging! It is like people begging on the streets who approach you, it is annoying. Next time a beggar approaches you, just imagine it is the PM coming to you. God helps those who help themselves. It appears to me that Fijians are incapable of doing that.
New bank notes ARUN PRASAD DILKUSHA, NAUSORI I AM flabbergasted to learn that the new Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) bank notes launched in December 2025 do not meet the accessibility standards of the visually impaired persons. The United Blind Persons of Fiji (UBP) has rightly challenged the Reserve Bank of Fiji to engage in inclusive and meaningful consultation and undertake a comprehensive accessibility review of the current bank note series. The raised dots in the current notes do not conform to recognised Braille standards, therefore, making it ineffective. The visually-impaired persons cannot rely on persons to do transactions for them when we know predators are roaming every corner. The RBF must adopt internationally recognised best practices for tactile and visual currency accessibility in future designs. The visually impaired persons deserve better.
Nuremburg movie SACHIDA NATH NADI I THINK Nuremburg was one of the best movies to hit the cinema screens in recent weeks. The drama narrates the infamous trial of architects of Nazi genocide after the death of Adolf Hitler in 1945. Hermann Goring the second-in -command to Hitler played by a portly Russel Crowe. And Rami Malek plays the role of Dr Douglas Kelly, an American psychiatrist. Dr Kelly is tasked to evaluate mental state of accused kept in prisons at Nuremburg. This was to ascertain if they were fit to stand trial. In fact the psychiatrist finds Goring a normal human not a monstrous character at all. Later he develops a relationship with the prisoner and his family. Goring shows no remorse during the trial for the evil that was perpetrated on his watch. Criminal behaviour is a matter of personal culpability; you cannot use a political ideology as a scapegoat. He is found guilty and was to face execution on the gallows. But in a brazen act of rebellion against the Court, he kills himself with a cyanide pill. Years later, the psychiatrist finds himself in a personal turmoil and commits suicide by imbibing cyanine pills just like Goring. A human is “an incongruous compound of good and evil” observed Scottish novelist RL Stevenson. It is hard to categorise good guys from bad guys in real life or on the reel.
Promised change AREKI DAWAI SUVA FOUR years of leadership with promised changes, so far the only changes that can be felt is there are no longer dictatorial and authoritarian leadership. Otherwise nothing much has changed, only their self pay rise!
Newspaper price NISHANT SINGH LAUTOKA I WRITE as a long-time and loyal reader of The Fiji Times to express concern over the recent increase in the cover price to $2.00 per copy. While I fully appreciate that rising production costs, raw material prices, and operational expenses place significant pressure on print media worldwide, this increase, amounting to more than 14 per cent, feels rather steep for many ordinary readers. For some, particularly retirees, students, and lowincome households, the daily newspaper is becoming an increasingly difficult purchase to justify. The Fiji Times has long played a vital role in informing the public and fostering national dialogue. However, accessibility is key to maintaining a broad and engaged readership. I respectfully ask whether management might consider reviewing the current pricing, or exploring alternative options such as discounted subscriptions, bundled offers, or special rates for certain groups. On a lighter note, may I also ask who clinched the much-talkedabout “Letter of the Year” award for 2025? At $2 a copy, one hopes the winning letter was worth every cent. Drum roll please!
Sky subscription DONALD SINGH SUVA IN 2023, they introduced a 13-month year via their 28-day Sky TV subscription, reducing the period from the usual full monthly subscription. Yes, 365 divided by 28 is 13. One thing has not changed much though. It’s their Sky TV signal. I believe it’s been pathetic for years. Each time you contact them about it, someone smart tries to guide you through some process over the phone. Sorry, it has changed, become garbage now. Digicel, or whoever owns you, if you can’t run the service uninterrupted, sell it on. Cut the crap please. I know the watchdog gang are busy chasing shadows of supermarkets and EFL, and you are safe with your crap service.
EFL tariff VIKEL V LAL MAKOI, NASINU THE 21 days of EFL tariff increase is nothing but postponing the inevitable only. Come this February, new rates will be shoved to consumers. While EFL is stressing that the increase is made keeping in mind the vulnerable communities and users who do not use more than 100 units will not be impacted or to a minimal. It fails to mention that businesses especially supermarkets will pass on the tariff increase to this same vulnerable communities who will end up paying more (least 24%) to buy essentials for their families. So much for the election campaigning to lower cost of living.
Changing times RONNIE CHANG MARTINTAR, NADI VERY recently, earlier this week, I had the opportunity, privilege and honour, to assist a needy Namaka family, in their of grief, loss and sorrows. I assisted them during the funeral of their departed 77-yearold loved one. In the course of the duties allotted to me, I found myself in the Nadi mortuary. The cleanliness and helpful employees caught my attention. They were extremely helpful and very professional in the execution of their duties. I also noticed a standby back up new generator in the morgue. A day later, with a B-737 pilot friend we were in LTA Waimalika, Nadi to enquire on some matters. Everything there came to dead stop. No work; nothing happening; no electricity. Their work ground to a screeching halt. No back-up power supply. Where has corporate leadership; good customer service and business acumen disappeared to? The changing times?
Back-to-back awards! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU IT was a pleasure to rub shoulders with the bold, brave and passionate writer, Donald Singh, who scooped back-to-back best letter writer of the year award. On January 11, 2025, Andrew Naidu published a story titled ‘Be a winner with Times’ where he stated the views of Singh as the Nadroga man had been selected winner of The Fiji Times’ Letter of the Year 2024 award. Singh has been a passionate and frequent contributor to the Letters to the Editor column spanning a period of 26 years. I quote Singh: “We are citizen journalists and there may be things that the mainstream media may not be able to report. So, it’s our job, for those of us who are keen on national matters and who care about national growth, economic growth. We must write. We must express our opinions. The good thing is that we can. It would be a tragedy if we are not able to. Everyone should write, just pick one important matter, understand them, and then write. I believe Government and every stakeholder read and you won’t be surprised if some of those opinions and ideas and suggestions you throw in the papers are taken up.” Singh deserves last year’s Letter of the Year Award. I agree with Singh (LTE: 07/01) titled ‘Vinaka brother’ that writers do make a big family and the collective voice of the family makes leaders and citizens listen. To Singh, and all other LTE writers, keep writing, keep striving and keep shining.
Venzuela raid WILLIAM ROSA BA PRESIDENT Donald Trump and his administration’s crowing over the capture of the Maduro — “the bad guy’-needs checking! Really? Is Nicolas Maduro the “bad guy” Trump and his advisers want us to believe? Well, I for one, beg to differ. Let’s see who really is the “bad guy”. Following his defeat in the 2020 US Elections, President Trump was in the forefront encouraging the insurrection 2021 January 6th riots at the US Capitol to overthrow that Election results because his Republican Party lost the election to President Biden’s Democratic Party. President Maduro did something similar in the last Venezuelan Election — not accepting the results too! So no difference there! President Trump is a convicted felon. And President Maduro has felony charges against him too. Same difference here too! Both gentlemen’s elite inner circles and administrations are backed by the some of the wealthiest folks around — car manufacturers, oil tycoons. And as is always the case, wealthy backers expect a return for their investments-control the oil fields? Another similarity! And sizeable numbers of their nation’s population are repressed through one way or the other. Suspected gang membership — simply because a particular tattoo design designates you as a gang member — DEA and ICE agents search you out! And as reported – Maduro’s Venezuela is not far behind too! Anyone who speaks against the regime, does so at his or her own peril! The above is public knowledge. No secrets there. Who than is really the “bad guy”? It appears that the two gentlemen have more in common they and their administrations dare to admit! And the biggest irony – and the only tangible difference between them — at least for now — only one is remanded in a New York prison while the other isn’t!
Don’t look over there? DENNIS FITZGERALD MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA HOW desperate is Donald Trump for another distraction from the Epstein files? Invading a foreign country, kidnapping its leader and his wife and risking yet another war seems a serious misstep. Intending to solve two wars the day he started working and spending months achieving little progress, claiming to have stopped eight wars although this is not substantiated, and now risking starting another war might explain why there is a Department of War rather than a Department of Defence. Conflicts must be solved, not bombed into oblivion, along with their citizens. Which country will be next?
Those questions AREKI DAWAI SUVA DEAR Cabinet Ministers of the Coalition Government. As we are approaching another national general election, I hope that you’re all well prepared to answer questions especially on the promises you all made prior to the formation of the Coalition Government. There are recordings and published statements you all made during the last campaign that is accessible on the web that I believe will be used against the ones that were of making promises and speaking of changes. One of the concerns that I guess will be a hot topic that needs answers is why did the PAP and SODELPA caucus support and approve themselves a hefty pay rise first of all within their first year? Looking forward to hear from you all during this upcoming election campaign if you still need our vote!
New notes NISHANT SINGH LAUTOKA A COLLEAGUE recently visited the “bluethemed” bank in Lautoka to withdraw a substantial amount of cash. With ATM thefts and violent crime on a significant rise despite repeated assurances from the COMPOL that Fiji remains “safe” (FT 09/01), going inside the bank felt like a lesser risk. As the cash was handed over, the friendly teller issued a curious and rather absurd instruction — “do not fold the new notes”. My colleague, momentarily stunned, wondered if folding money had now been criminalised. After all, wallets are designed to fold, unless customers are now expected to carry their cash flat, framed, or laminated. Not wishing to violate this new banking protocol, or disrespect sacred polymer currency, he abandoned his wallet altogether and tactfully slipped the notes into his pocket. Perhaps the bank could enlighten the public. Are customers now expected to carry special “non-folding” wallets? Carry briefcases? Or simply admire the notes until crime solves the storage problem for us? Fortunately, I wasn’t there. I might have asked the bank if the notes are meant to be spent at all or just admired.
Go big on agriculture SEVECI TORA TACIRUA HEIGHTS THEATRE of the fields: When banking’s glossy promises meet the dirt reality. They come every year, like the monsoon rains — confident voices from airconditioned offices, telling us once again to “go big on agriculture”. They speak of the rural economy as though it is a theoretical problem to be solved in a presentation, a narrative spun for annual reports and glossy advertisements. On our radios, we hear the jingles. On our television screens, we see the smiling families in clean clothes, standing beside perfect plots of land. The commercial banks, like both the mighty ANZ and our own Fiji Development Bank, paint a picture of partnership. They speak of “empowerment”, “support”, and “family agricultural schemes”. It is a Bollywood blockbuster of finance, full of colour, music, and promise. Then, the screen goes dark. And we are left here, in the mud and the heat, with the real script. The one where we, the rural farmers — the very heart of this “agricultural future” they sermonise about — are treated as bit-part players, or worse, a bad risk. We walk into those bank offices with hope worn into our hands and plans etched into our souls. We don’t come for handouts; we come for a chance. A chance to buy better seeds, plough the land to invest in drip irrigation to beat the drought, to buy a small processing machine to add value to our yield. What we receive is not partnership, but a polite, sterile dismissal. “Does not meet criteria”. The ultimate, unassailable verdict. Our land, our sweat, our generations of knowledge — it is not collateral they recognise. They look past us, through us. Our voices echo hollow in their marble halls. We are pushed aside. The bitter irony is not lost on us. While our viable, diverse, and future focused projects are “mercilessly declined,” millions are faithfully funnelled into what they themselves call a “dying sugar industry”. It exposes the truth: this is not about building a resilient rural economy. It is about managing legacy debts and political projects. We, the living, breathing future of Fijian agriculture, are sacrificed for the sake of a dying past. This is not just neglect; it is a betrayal of the national future. They theorise about “thriving rural economies” while systematically starving them of oxygen. A thriving rural economy is not built on advertisements; it is built on accessible credit, fair risk assessment, and genuine relationship banking that understands the rhythm of the land and the reality of the harvest. So, what must be done? The talk must end. The action must begin. 1. Ground-truthing lending criteria: Banks must co-create loan criteria with real farmers and agronomists. Collateral cannot just be freehold title deeds; it must include crop contracts, verified farming history, and community guarantor systems. We bank our lives on this land; why can’t the bank? 2. From sugar monoculture to food forest: Redirect a significant portion of agricultural credit away from propping up monocropping and into diversified, climateresilient, and value-added farming. Support those growing ginger, dalo, cassava, cocoa, virgin coconut oil, and niche organic produce for local and export markets. 3. The “Farmer’s Proof” pilot program: Banks should launch a small, transparent pilot fund managed with a farmers’ cooperative. Let a committee of bankers and respected farmers assess applications. Let this be a public test case. We are confident our projects will prove their worth if given a fair hearing. 4. Financial literacy and proposal clinics: Instead of fancy ads, run mandatory, practical workshops in villages on how to build a bankable business proposal. Help us bridge the gap between our knowledge of the soil and their language of finance. Public accountability dashboards: The FDB and commercial banks claiming rural mandates must publish disaggregated data: How many agricultural loan applications were received from rural areas? How many were approved? How much was disbursed? Let the numbers tell the true story, not the advertisements. We are not asking for charity. We are demanding a fair financial shareholding in the future they so love to lecture us about. Stop directing us from the boardroom and start listening in the field. The real “theatre” is the grand performance of concern, while the actors who actually feed this nation are kept waiting in the wings, our scripts of progress rejected at the door. It is time to close the gap between the glittering promise and the gritty reality. The future of Fiji’s food, its economy, and its people depend on it. Let our actions in the soil finally match the grandeur of their words.
Modern technology COLIN DEOKI AUSTRALIA I HAVE a small gripe I’d like to share. But it’s offered with respect and in the spirit of good grace and fairness. Recently, my family and I were holidaying at the Sheraton Denarau with our extended family of eight. From the outset, I want to say this clearly: the Sheraton service was exceptional. The warmth, kindness and genuine care shown by the staff reminded us once again why Fijian hospitality is admired around the world. It was truly heart-warming. However, as someone now in my 70s, I must admit I’m not especially adept with modern technology. I found it awkward, uncomfortable and at times frustrating to navigate a system where payments were card-only. I later learned that some hotels operate cashless systems partly because card transactions attract a surcharge of around three per cent. I’m no mathematician or accountant, but it doesn’t take much to work out that this can add up to a substantial sum. I have no objection whatsoever to businesses making a fair profit. That’s as it should be. My concern is about choice and options. Across Fiji, there are many people like farmers, villagers and those from rural settlements who still operate largely in cash. Expecting them to navigate card-only systems, or even digital platforms they may not be familiar with, creates unnecessary stress and, in effect, places them at a disadvantage. Payment, in my view, should remain optional: card or cash. I am aware of services such as M-PAiSA, but the reality is that not everyone is conversant or comfortable with the rapid pace of technological change in banking and finance. Inclusivity means ensuring systems work for everyone, not just the tech-savvy. That said, I want to be fair. The Sheraton staff were gracious and went out of their way to offer alternative options for settling our bill, and for that we’re sincerely grateful. Their willingness to assist made all the difference. Our family thoroughly enjoyed our stay, and I commend the management and staff for their professionalism and exquisite hospitality. And if there’s anything to go by, it was our three grandchildren who were on their first ever trip to Fiji. And staying at the Sheraton was one of the highlights of their holiday in Fiji. They’re very keen to return sooner than later. Vinaka vakalevu Sheraton Denarau! Till we meet again, a Happy New Year to you all.
FNPF challenge RONNIE CHANG MARTINTAR, NADI IN my humble view, taxpayers’ $57 million should not have been used to bail “FNPF” from its core fiduciary duties, caring for betrayed pre-2011 pensioners. FNPF sits on solid financial ground to honour its responsibility — providing for pensioners; its first and foremost primary duty. Everything else is secondary. Where is the empathy? What does FNPF’s human resource scholars have to say about this much publicised nationally shameful betrayal of senior pensioners today? We are in our 70s, 80s and 90s. This betrayal is painfully cruel. It makes good sense for the fund i.e. FNPF to now reimburse the Coalition Government this $57m. The sick; the elderly homeless; the poor who cannot afford dialysis; the disabled citizens in need of prostatic limbs; children from poorer families badly needing specialised overseas medical attention, the blind and many with numerous disabilities, should be assisted with urgency. This $57m could be put to better use, in my view. FNPF must honour its primary core responsibilities. Please grow up. Be a better caring corporate citizen.
The word Xmas is not right! EDWARD BLAKELOCK ADMIRALS CIRCLE, PACIFIC HARBOUR IT’S not Xmas, that’s not right, Christmas is the right word. By putting an X instead of Jesus Christ, takes Him out of our heart and world. It’s seems to be all about commercialism and the ongoing war between good and evil. There’s the growing focus on materialism, driving us to a less than spiritual level!
Work to live TAHIR ALI HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND THE Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh clarifies that jobs are available nation-wide but many Fijians choose not to work (FT 18/12). I feel many are involved in drug and other illegal activities which make them lazy. Gone are the days when our ancestors worked around the clock with the family to earn a decent living. They had some drinks and treats for social and religious festivals with friends, neighbours and relatives. Every family member contributed with many challenges to enjoy life. If one gets everything on a plate without working, then who will go to work?
Rude policeman NISHANT SINGH LAUTOKA I WISH to raise a serious concern regarding the unethical and unacceptable conduct of a particular traffic police officer who is frequently seen patrolling the Lautoka CBD on a motorcycle. Yesterday, around midday, a fire broke out at the EFL building. As naturally expected, a small crowd gathered across the road, attempting to understand what was unfolding. Police soon arrived and requested the public to move further away from the scene. People complied without resistance. Out of nowhere, this motorcycle officer stormed in and began shouting aggressively at the crowd, barking orders for people to “move away” and remarking that there was nothing “funny” to see. While public safety is understandable in such situations, I believe the manner in which he addressed civilians was unacceptable. It was abrasive, arrogant, and devoid of basic professionalism. I honestly won’t be surprised if a member of the public launches a few powerful punches on him! We are already well aware of the calibre of our police force when it comes to crime prevention and response. Unfortunately, this individual managed to set the bar even lower through his lack of civility and appalling public conduct. If policing is also a form of public service, then this officer’s “customer service” skills were nothing short of disgraceful. This episode raises uncomfortable but necessary questions. What standards does the Fiji Police Force actually apply when recruiting officers? After witnessing yesterday’s episode, the competence, attitude, and temperament of some police officers must be questioned. Authority does not grant a licence to bully. Perhaps it is time for certain officers to pursue further education, starting with lessons in professionalism, communication, and respect for the very public they are meant to serve.
Electricity tariff SELWA NANDAN LAUTOKA WHENEVER the prices for imported fuel increases we are reminded that we are a price taker i.e. the price movement is influenced by factors beyond our control. But does the same postulation apply in the case of EFL’s proposed increase in tariff rates? It is to be noted since its establishment in 1966, FEA and later corporatised as EFL in 2018 has been enjoying a complete monopoly as the sole supplier of electricity in Fiji. That is for almost six decades. Would consumers be better off today had the market been deregulated to allow room for competition. Initially the people of Fiji were promised that there would be a gradual reduction in the tariff once the investment cost was fully recovered. But that never happened. On the contrary the rate continued to spiral in the upward direction. EFL’s annual reports show the company has been recording millions of dollars in profit year after year. It has now been revealed that Japanese company Chugoku has purchased 44 per cent shares in EFL including 20 per cent owned by FNPF for $1.3billion. So what happened to all the capital raised from this sale? In my opinion EFL should have the financial ability to fund the capital projects from their profit without burdening the consumers. In contrast the domestic and international call charges came down substantially after Digicel entered the market in 2008 making mobile communication more accessible and affordable for Fijians.
Ringing in the new year VIJAY NAIDU SUVA IN most cities, towns, settlements and villages there are groups of children and youth banging tin cans and drums to welcome the new year. This ‘noise making’ has become customary! For some this noise making is a nuisance to put up with at the start of each year especially with children on school holidays. However, some youths have begun to produce rhythm and pleasant drumming sounds using makeshift tins, drums and other improvised instruments. This was exemplified in Lautoka recently. Perhaps local governments and businesses could hold competitions with modest prizes to encourage the latter development. This might just be the start of a local variant of the Caribbean “steel bands”.
Climate change DINESH KUMAR BA WHILE developed countries continue to engage in wars and invade other nations, Fiji, together with its Pacific Island neighbours, remains focused on mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. Let us unite in addressing this pressing environmental challenge. The first steps can begin at home by educating our children to practise the 3Rs and to plant trees. Children learn from the environment in which they are raised.
Be in harmony EDWARD BLAKELOCK ADMIRALS CIRCLE, PACIFIC HARBOUR MAKE hay, while the sun shines, That’s what they say, Meaning, make good use of your time. ‘Coz, time, tide and the universe, waits for no one. These carry on regardless, despite the mortal efforts of man. Nature plays in tune, to the rhythmic cycle of life. While we do things to ruin, the perfect harmony that cycle provides. So don’t upset the natural rhythm, don’t flow against the tide, don’t be oblivious, be in harmony and don’t override!
